Shanghai Community International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$22K - US$46K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 2-18
Students: ~1,800
Location: Hongqiao (Changning), Shanghai
Updated April 2026
In Brief
SCIS is the strongest case for self-funding families in Hongqiao who want a full IB continuum in a non-profit community school - the all-inclusive fees cover transport, meals, and MacBooks, making the headline number genuinely comparable to higher-cost schools once you strip out the extras. Three campuses give it geographic coverage most schools cannot match.
SCIS has been in Shanghai since 1996 - one of the city's first international schools - and that history shapes how it operates. It is a non-profit community school with WASC and IB World School accreditation, running the full PYP, MYP, and Diploma continuum across three campuses: Hongqiao ECE (ages 2-6), Hongqiao Main (ages 6-18), and Pudong (all grades). With around 1,800 students from more than 60 nationalities and 35-plus languages, the community is genuinely diverse and does not skew toward one nationality or curriculum background. The school has achieved 45/45 perfect IB scores and publishes 100% university acceptance with 40% of graduates heading to top-50 universities worldwide.
The fee structure is where SCIS genuinely stands apart. Fees for 2026-2027 range from RMB 156,500 at Nursery half-day to RMB 335,500 at Grades 6-12, but the headline figure includes door-to-door school bus, daily lunch, uniform set, co-curricular activities, and a MacBook for secondary students. When families strip those costs out and compare against schools that charge them separately, the effective gap narrows considerably. For Hongqiao-based families, it is a compelling value case - particularly if you are self-funding rather than on a full corporate package.
The three-campus model is both a strength and something to assess carefully. Hongqiao ECE to Hongqiao Main is a natural progression and most families experience it as continuity on the same side of the city. The Pudong campus serves all grades and is a genuine alternative for families in eastern Shanghai, but the two communities are separate. One-time fees are meaningful: a non-refundable RMB 25,000 capital fee on first enrolment plus a RMB 20,000 seat guarantee deposit (which is applied to tuition). Ask the school about waitlist reality - SCIS has consistently had demand exceed places at primary level.
What parents value
- –All-inclusive fees covering door-to-door bus, lunch, uniform, activities, and secondary MacBook. The effective per-year cost is materially lower than the headline number suggests when compared against schools that charge separately for these.
- –Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) from age 2 to 18 across two Hongqiao campuses, with a Pudong option for families in eastern Shanghai. 100% university acceptance with 40% to top-50 universities worldwide.
- –Non-profit community school with 30-year history, WASC and IB World School accreditation. More than 60 nationalities and 35-plus languages - the community breadth is wider than at most schools on this list.
Points of consideration
- –One-time fees are substantial: RMB 25,000 non-refundable capital fee plus RMB 20,000 seat guarantee deposit (applicable to tuition) on first enrolment. Budget these in addition to annual fees.
- –Three campuses means the community splits. Hongqiao families experience real continuity; Pudong campus families are in a separate community. If you want a single campus from nursery to Grade 12, SCIS's model is different from single-site schools.
- –Fee schedule shown is 2026-2027 (SCIS publishes the following year in advance). Confirm the current academic year's fees directly before applying. Primary demand consistently exceeds places - ask about waitlist timelines at your child's year group.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery / Preschool (half-day) | 2 | 22,297 |
| Nursery / PS / PK (full-day) | 3 | 29,336 |
| Kindergarten to Grade 5 | 5 | 43,267 |
| Grades 6-12 | 11 | 47,837 |
Fees converted from CNY. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Photos
Academic Results
| IB Perfect Score | 45/45 achieved |
| University Acceptance | 100% |
| Top-50 University | 40% of graduates |
SCIS runs the full IB continuum - PYP, MYP, and Diploma - across its campuses. The school has produced 45/45 perfect IB scores and publishes 100% university acceptance, with 40% of graduates admitted to top-50 universities worldwide. The full continuum from age 2 means students develop IB habits of mind from the earliest years.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
- WASC accredited
- IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP)
Memberships
- EARCOS
- ACAMIS
Student Body
Around 1,800 students from more than 60 nationalities and 35-plus languages across three campuses. The community is one of the most nationally diverse in Shanghai, with no single nationality dominating. Non-profit governance and 30 years of operation mean many families are long-term residents rather than short-term rotations.
Leadership
School Leadership
SCIS is a non-profit community school governed by a parent-elected board. Contact the school for the current head's biography.